The John R. Justice State Loan Repayment program provides financial assistance to licensed attorneys who commit to working three years in state or local prosecutor offices or in public defender offices operated by federal, state, or local entities (including tribal governments).

The program was established by Congress in 2008 to encourage attorneys to enter or remain in public service positions as prosecutors or public defenders. Due to educational debt, some attorneys forgo such career options for more lucrative opportunities in the private sector.

Under the John R. Justice Program, attorneys who make the three-year commitment and meet program requirements will be eligible to have a portion of their outstanding student loan debt forgiven.

For more information on applying and award cycles, visit the John R. Justice program page on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.